Photo: José Belem Hernández DíazCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Medicinal Aloe Plant Care
Aloe officinalis Forssk.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent plant is known for its long, slender green leaves covered in white spots. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe officinalis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and medicinal properties, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect
50–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Medicinal Aloe?
Water Medicinal Aloe every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Medicinal Aloe Native To?
What Is the Medicinal Aloe?
Medicinal Aloe (Aloe officinalis) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Aloe genus. Medicinal Aloe is native to the Arabian Peninsula, from Yemen to Saudi Arabia.
Medicinal Aloe displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Medicinal Aloe produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Medicinal Aloe?
Aloe officinalis requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Medicinal Aloe Need?
Medicinal Aloe thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Medicinal Aloe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Medicinal Aloe Prefer?
Aloe officinalis grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Medicinal Aloe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Medicinal Aloe?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Medicinal Aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Medicinal Aloe?
Feed Medicinal Aloe every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Medicinal Aloe?
Aloe officinalis should be repotted every 2-3 years in the spring.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Medicinal Aloe?
Medicinal Aloe can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aloe vera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Medicinal Aloe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Medicinal Aloe?
Medicinal Aloe is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Medicinal Aloe Need?
Medicinal Aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Medicinal Aloe is native to the Arabian Peninsula, from Yemen to Saudi Arabia. In cooler regions, grow Medicinal Aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Medicinal Aloe is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aloe genus — compare its care with other Aloe species on PlantoScan.
Aloe is part of the Asphodelaceae plant family — browse all Asphodelaceae genera and species.
Medicinal Aloe thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aloe Species
Other Aloe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aloe officinalis Forssk., family Asphodelaceae (first published in Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. : 73 (1775)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Medicinal Aloe is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: José Belem Hernández Díaz, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Medicinal Aloe Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species